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Board members of the Lithuanian Foundation, donors, members of the diplomatic community, participants of the North American Lithuanian Youth Summit, prior and current LF scholarship recipients and many other guests gathered at the annual Lithuanian Foundation Gala on November 2. The Kazickas Family Foundation was represented by KFF Vilnius office director and LF Board member Agne Vertelkaite, KFF New York office director Neila Baumiliene and KFF AKGP manager Ginte Genender.
Evening host LF scolarship recipient Migle Rupsaite invited LF Board of Directors chairperson Audronė Pavilčius-Karalius to open the evening. Welcoming words were delivered by the Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania in the United States of America and to the United Mexican States Rolandas Krisciunas, Consul General in Chicago Mantvydas Bekešius, president of the Lithuanian American Communiity Arvydas Urbonavicius, chairman of the Lithuanian World Youth Association Vladas Oleinikovas.
The highlight of the evening was Ambassador R. Krisciunas presenting LF Board member Marius Kasniunas with a "Lithuanian Diplomacy Star", an honorary award by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania.
President of the LF Executive Committee Tauras Baublys thanked the guests for coming and wished LF many successful years. After the exquisite dinner, provided by the Grand Dukes restaurant, guests could enjoy "The Peppermint Patties" musical trio of LF scholarship recipient Daina Fischer, Anna Caldwell and Laura Smalley, accompanied by Martynas Matutis. LF scholarship recipient artist Monika Plioplyte donated her art piece "I for Nested Pattern" to be won at the event's lottery by one lucky guest.
Large group of young Lithuanian leaders who gathered in Chicago that weekend for the North American Lithuanian Youth Summit participated at the event as well.
The Lithuanian Foundation, incorporated in 1962, is a non-profit organization providing financial support for initiatives that preserve and foster Lithuanian traditions and values. Its main goal is to help fund initiatives that contribute to a stronger national identity and society, foster the Lithuanian culture, traditions and ties with the homeland. The Lithuanian Foundation concentrates its resources on those projects that demonstrate the potential for far reaching benefits to the Lithuanian community and the community at large.
In 57 years the Lithuanian Foundation exceeded its expectations and provided morė than 20 million US dollars to support various Lithuanian causes.
In 2018, the Lithuanian Foundation provided a record $ 1,101,156 in grants and scholarships. LF chose to support 121 grant requests for a total of $779,259. Additionally, $13,608 was distributed to organizations from donor directed funds according to the donor’s designation. A total of $792,867 was appropriated. Scholarships totaling $278,215 were granted to 111 students. In addition, another $30,074 was granted for scholarships from donor designated funds. A total of $308,289 was appropriated.
Photos: Sandra Scedrina
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